Uasin Gishu County government through the Department of Roads, Transport and Public Works has affirmed its commitment to assist residents living in flood-prone areas in case of emergency.
A weather alert was given by the Kenya Meteorological Department which has reported that heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and occasional episodes of flooding will be experienced in most parts of the country. Residents in 32 counties have been advised to be on the lookout for potential floods.
Heavy rainfall continues to pound many parts of the country and engineers from the county government of Uasin Gishu have started taking measures to open blocked drainage lines and open waterways to channel flooding water downstream in areas of slopes and shallow land.
The County Executive Member for Roads, Transport and Public Works Engineer Joseph Lagat says the move is aimed to channel flooding water downstream and rivers to avert damage to property in residential areas.
“We are using our county heavy machines like backhoes to ensure that water is properly channelled to streams and rivers in areas prone to flooding. The biggest challenge is in areas where residents have built houses on waterways,” Eng Lagat noted.
Parts prone to flooding
He further said the engineers from the department have visited parts prone to flooding during heavy rainfall including Moi’sBridge, Kimumu, Tairi Mbili, and Maili Nne among others to listen to views from residents and assessed the situation.
The works to open blocked drainages in slopes and shallow land has begun.
The CECM added that his team had identified sites for improvement and the work has kicked off in most affected areas.
“We have experienced heavy rainfall in the past few days, raising a possibility of flooding in some areas, we are taking early measures to avoid the effects associated with climate change,” said Eng Lagat.
He urged the resident to contact the sub-county and ward administrators and also reach out to other county government officers at the ward level for immediate action and assistance in case of emergency to avert damages.
The Kenya Met Department has cautioned citizens in low-lying areas as flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream.
The report further indicates that strong winds of more than 25knots (12 m/s) are expected over North-Western Kenya. The strong winds may blow away roofs, uproot trees, and cause structural damage. People have also been asked to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or on open fields, and not to shelter under trees.
When were the views collected?
From kimumu,a very bad state of drainage in our county
The process is still ongoing, they might be there soon.